Christmas 2007

This year we stayed in Hiroshima for Christmas. It was our first time to be abroad for the Holidays. We really miss seeing family but it has been relaxing to stay in town.

Christmas morning 6:00 AM


I think Nathan really likes his present this year


It was really nice we could see the grandparents on the web camera this year


Nate is ready to go!!








Ami and the kids exchanging presents


The Bell Choir dressed up for each of their songs


The Choir sang beautifully in both English and Japanese


Pastor Hiroshi and Pastor Chris

Kimono

Hailey’s friend Asahi and her parents invited the kids to take kimono pictures together. The kids had a ball. Pictures will not be available for another month but we were able to take a few pictures while they were getting ready.

Hailey and Asahi


The store sign








You have to love obi (the bow on the back of the kimono)


Dinner afterwards





The Christmas tree at the mall


Couldn’t resist taking this picture.

Lights on Peace Blvd

Peace Boulevard is the main street in Hiroshima. It is decorated with lights every year. It is impressive.

The Japanese people love Christmas. They love giving presents so it fits nicely into their culture. This year we learned that Christmas Eve is the biggest date night of the year. It is the equivalent of Valentines Day. You go out for a very expensive diner and impress your date with a nice present. This explains all the hearts in the lighting display.

Getting Ready For Christmas

The kids decorating our Christmas tree.



To make our Christmas cards more Asian looking this year we took the pictures at a shrine in the neighborhood. Kind of funny to take pictures for a Christian holiday in front of a Shinto Shrine.

Thanksgiving 2007

We enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner with our friends, Ami and her Mom, Ayako-san. We all loved eating turkey and all the trimmings.



Later the kids enjoyed playing with Ami and her dog Pure.

Mitaki Field Trip

Nathan’s class had a field trip to the Mitaki Buddhist Temple to study different religions. This temple is located up on one of the hill behind our church, overlooking Hiroshima. It has three different waterfalls around it. I have not had a chance to check this out yet. I hope to soon.

Nathan borrowed our camera. I am very pleased at his responsibly taking care of it. Below are all his pictures.